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‘Jeopardy!’ Runner Mike Richards Explains the ‘Surprising’ Strengths of Aaron Rodgers

While “Jeopardy!” is still making decisions on who will be the permanent host, executive producer Mike Richards is talking up Aaron Rodgers.

Rodgers, who all NFL fans know as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback, did a two-week stint as guest host on “Jeopardy!”. Richards has been keeping an eye on each guest host to weigh their pluses and minuses in their time.

“Interestingly, each person brings their own charm, ability, and strength that I’ve tried to guess ahead of time,” Richards said in an interview with USA Today. “And I haven’t been great at it.

‘Jeopardy!’ Executive Producer Didn’t Know What ‘You Were Going To Get’ With Rodgers

“Take Aaron Rodgers, just as an example: You didn’t know what you were going to get … he’s never really broadcasted before,” he said. “I thought he would do a good job, but where his strengths were surprised me. He was better at throwing to a commercial. He was much better taking notes.”

Devoted “Jeopardy!” watchers are looking for any type of signal regarding who will take late host Alex Trebek’s spot. Trebek died in 2020 after a battle with cancer. “Jeopardy!” grand champion Ken Jennings and even Richards himself have been among the guest hosts this season.

Obviously, there has been a major outpouring from the public to have actor LeVar Burton become the permanent host. Burton was added as this season’s final guest host mainly because of the actor’s fans. He will host for a week of “Jeopardy!” from July 26-30.

Game Show Starts ‘Tournament Of Champions’ Next Week

CBS News correspondent Bill Whitaker wraps up his hosting duties on Friday. Starting next week will be the annual “Tournament of Champions” with past winner Buzzy Cohen overseeing the two-week tournament. Actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik follows for two weeks between May 31-June 11.

This season of “Jeopardy!” wraps up with Fox Sports broadcaster Joe Buck behind the podium for a week between Aug. 9-13.

Trebek is the host millions of the show’s fans are most familiar with since he was part of it for nearly four decades. But the show, created by talk-show host and entrepreneur Merv Griffin, actually started back on NBC in 1964. Art Fleming was the first host as it found a place in the network’s morning hours.

Trebek was the host from 1984 through his death. There’s been no final decision on who will take over for Trebek on a full-time basis. That’s the decision Richards faces after this season comes to a close in August.